Flying from O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) to Istanbul: what you need to know
Around 9 hours 50 minutes is how long you'll be travelling on a direct flight from O.R. Tambo International Airport to Istanbul.
Istanbul is one hour ahead of Johannesburg, where O.R. Tambo International Airport is located. Istanbul follows the UTC+3 timezone.
With seven departures a week between the two airports, O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) to Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) is the most popular route. Hop on Turkish Airlines's 17:50 flight to get your journey from JNB to IST underway.
For a relaxed start to your JNB to Istanbul flight, allow plenty of time to check in and find your gate. Turning up two hours before international departures and one hour before domestic flights is the standard rule.
Longer lines at security and check-in are likely if you're heading away during high season, so give yourself a bit more breathing room. A good rule of thumb for peak times? Get there up to four hours ahead for international flights and at least two hours for domestic departures.
Direct O.R. Tambo International Airport to Istanbul tickets are available for booking. Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) is where you'll disembark.
Be on the lookout for offers from Turkish Airlines. This carrier operates direct flights from O.R. Tambo International Airport to Istanbul.
Stopovers are the ideal opportunity to break up your trip and possibly even explore another city. When searching for plane tickets from JNB to Istanbul, deselect the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can visit along the way. Consider one of these popular options:
Dubai Airport (DXB)
Hamad International Airport (DOH)
Cairo International Airport (CAI)
The journey from central Johannesburg to JNB takes about 1 hour 10 minutes on public transport. If you drive, ride-share or take a cab, you'll cover the 23 kilometres in 30 minutes or so, depending on traffic conditions.
Looking for a hotel close to JNB? If you've booked an early flight from O.R. Tambo International Airport to Istanbul, these accommodation options will put you moments from your departure gate:
Of all flights departing from O.R. Tambo International Airport, 77.1% touch down on time at their destination.
How to find the cheapest flights from O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) to Istanbul
The best price we've seen for a one-way O.R. Tambo International Airport to Istanbul flight is 286 €. The cheapest price for a return flight is 446 €. Bear in mind fares may change due to availability at the time of booking.
Don't leave everything to the last minute. You're more likely to land cheap flights from JNB to Istanbul if you book ahead. Airlines often offer some great early bird deals.
If you're flexible with your trip dates, try using the 'Whole month' search tool. It'll give you the lowest price across every month when looking for your O.R. Tambo International Airport to Istanbul ticket.
Never miss a deal on cheap flights from JNB to Istanbul by setting up a Price Alert. You'll receive an email or notification on the app when a new discounted fare appears.
Choose your preferred departure and arrival times, airlines and number of stops with our filters. Then, sort the results for your flight from O.R. Tambo International Airport to Istanbul by 'Fastest,' 'Best' or 'Cheapest.'
Airports in Istanbul
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) to central Istanbul takes about 50 minutes by car. The centre is roughly 48 kilometres away.
It'll take around 1 hour 45 minutes to get there by public transport.
The last thing you need is a long journey to your hotel if you're arriving on a late flight from O.R. Tambo International Airport to Istanbul. Stay at one of these accommodation options near IST instead:
Go where the road takes you with an Istanbul Ataturk Airport rental car. Book your wheels from Hit, Avec car rentals or Eren Rent a Car and discover more of Istanbul and beyond.
Reserving your ride from Istanbul Ataturk Airport around two weeks ahead of your flight from JNB to Istanbul can help you secure the lowest rate.
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW)
After your flight from O.R. Tambo International Airport to Istanbul has hit the runway, you can make your way to the city centre in around 55 minutes by car. Central Istanbul is roughly 48 kilometres from Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW).
If you travel by public transport, the journey will take you 1 hour 30 minutes or so.
Following your JNB to Istanbul flight, rest your head at a hotel close to SAW. These are some great accommodation options that'll help you sink into relaxation mode:
Essence, Eren Rent a Car and 724 Rent make picking up a Sabiha Gokcen International Airport rental car quick and easy. These trusted providers are located in or around the terminal and will have you on your way in a heartbeat.
Get what you want, not just what's left over. Booking your ride from SAW four weeks ahead of time often means better deals and a bigger choice of vehicles.
Best time to go to Istanbul
Plan your trip to Istanbul during high season if you like a busy atmosphere, but remember that hotel prices are typically higher. Alternatively, book your flights from O.R. Tambo International Airport to Istanbul during the off-season when prices are cheaper and it's not as busy.
Book an O.R. Tambo International Airport to Istanbul plane ticket with a departure in August if you want to experience the city during its warmest month. You can expect temperatures to range from 20ºC (68ºF) to 30ºC (86ºF).
For cooler conditions, search for a cheap ticket from JNB to Istanbul in January when temperatures average between 2ºC (36ºF) and 11ºC (52ºF).
More about Istanbul
Once you've booked your flight from O.R. Tambo International Airport to Istanbul, choose a hotel that puts you right where the action is. Make one of these options your base for exploring Istanbul:
The Basilica Cistern and Topkapi Palace are just the start of the major attractions to put on your Istanbul travel itinerary. Keep the sightseeing going at Galata Tower.
Explore more of Türkiye (Turkey)
Ankara is just one of the many places in Türkiye (Turkey) waiting to be explored once you've taken in the sights of Istanbul. Around 354 kilometres away to the east, its best attractions include Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, Kocatepe Mosque (Kocatepe Camii) and Genclik Park.
Around 322 kilometres south-west of Istanbul, Izmir is another favourite stop in Türkiye (Turkey). Experience major highlights starting with Kordonboyu, Kadifekale Castle and Alsancak.